Paramilitary forces to man polling booths

It is likely that paramilitary personnel would be deployed at most polling booths for both phases of elections in the state,while the Punjab Police will be deployed for patrol or outer duty.

Police sources said instead of 86 companies of paramilitary forces that the MHA was initially sending to the state,in response to a demand for 200 companies by the state government,now the Centre has consented to send 150 companies.

Of these,36 companies will be sent for the first phase of elections. These include five companies of BSF,25 of CRPF and six of Bihar Police.

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In the second phase,a total of 114 companies will be deployed. The force of the first phase will be retained and additional 32 companies of BSF,two of ITBP,20 of Rapid Action Force,10 of Border Wing Home Guards,15 companies each of Maharashtra Police and Gujarat Police,20 companies of Madhya Pradesh Police and 10 companies of Gujarat Home Guards will be deployed.

Sources said in the first phase,there are 507 hyper-sensitive and 1,389 sensitive booths. Between five to 10 personnel will be deployed at these booths. In the second phase,there are 1,099 hyper-sensitive and 2,548 sensitive booths.

These paramilitary forces are expected to reach the state by May 4, said an official.

Sources said the Punjab Police is likely to be put on patrolling duty,naka duty and inter-state naka duty.

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